Toxic algae warning issued for length of Canterbury's Ashley River
A health warning has been issued for the length of the Canterbury's Ashley/Rakahuri River after more toxic algae was found.
The Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) says moderate to high cover of potentially toxic algae (benthic cyanobacteria) has been found along the river between the Okuku River Confluence to the State Highway 1 bridge.
A warning was already in place for the SH1 site, and while a warning was recently lifted for the Loburn-Rangiora site because it had become dry, new algae growth was already being seen there.
Canterbury medical officer of health Dr Ramon Pink says the algae looks like dark brown to black mats and can product toxins harmful to people and animals.
"Exposure may cause skin rashes, nausea, stomach cramps, tingling and numbness around the mouth and fingertips."
Anyone who experiences such symptoms should visit their doctor immediately, and animals showing signs of illness should be taken to a vet immediately.
Reticulated town water supplies are currently safe, but no-one should drink water from the river at any time, Pink said.
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
-
10.1% Yes! New Year, New Me
-
19.5% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
-
70.4% Nah - not for me
The Summer Kiwi Quiz is back by popular demand
Grab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper between 1 Jan - 28 Jan and participate in the Summer Kiwi Quiz! Test your knowledge, answer the daily New Zealand based questions, and find out how well you know our beautiful country!
Each correct answer will get you one entry into the draw to WIN 1 of 5 Ooni Karu 2 Portable Pizza Oven bundles, valued at $1024! Each bundle includes: an Ooni Karu 2 Multi-Fuel Portable Pizza Oven, Ooni Karu 2 Carry Cover, Ooni 12" Perforated Peel, Ooni Digital Infrared Thermometer and an Ooni Cookbook: Cooking with Ooni. The more answers you enter correctly, the higher your chance of winning. For more information and to submit your answers, click here
The Team at Stuff
Loading…
